Talent Citizen congratulates Emilia Salazar on her appointment as Senior Major Gift Officer, Northeast at Boston University, effective September 29, 2025. As part of the BU Major Gifts team, Emilia will manage a donor portfolio and work in partnership with Riane Metcalfe, Senior Director of Major Gifts, Northeast Region to ensure a coordinated and thoughtful approach to all activities meant to engage BU’s leading prospects and donors across the Northeast, the region with the highest concentration of BU alumni.
Emilia joins BU from Tufts University where she served as Director of Development & Alumni Relations for Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life. In that role, Emilia led the fundraising strategy for the College, leading a three-person team and working closely with the Dean and board of advisors. Emilia succeeded in growing the number of major- and principal-level donors through data-informed and relationship-driven strategies and by leveraging partnerships across the University. Before her role at Tisch College, Emilia began her tenure at Tufts as Associate Director of Development, later being promoted to Senior Associate Director of Development. In those roles, Emilia led fundraising efforts across key markets in the U.S. in support of university-wide priorities and initiatives.
Prior to Tufts University, Emilia served as Leadership Annual Giving Officer at Wheelock College before the College merged with Boston University to create BU Wheelock College of Education & Human Development. Emilia previously held development roles of increasing responsibility at WEAVE, The Boston Conservatory, and From the Top after starting her fundraising career at her alma mater, Longy School of Music at Bard College.
With more than 15 years of experience in advancement, Emilia brings expertise in annual, major, principal, and planned giving. Known for her collaborative and strategic working style and for her strengths as a thoughtful and persistent fundraiser, Emilia is well suited for this key fundraising position at Boston University.
An engaged community member, Emilia has served as a volunteer with Women in Development of Greater Boston, Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and Reproductive Equity Now. Emilia earned an Undergraduate Diploma in Flute Performance and a Master of Music from Bard College’s Longy School of Music, most recently graduating from The Fletcher School at Tufts University with a Master of Business Administration.